Volunteers – Fields of operation

The Technische Hilfswerk (THW) is a skilled partner in civil protection, especially when it comes to technically demanding and highly specialised solutions, or when heavy-duty equipment is needed. The THW’s volunteer operatives are experts in their fields, whichever type of technical assistance is required.

The focus of the picture is a blue THW-crane that is tearing off the roof of a house. Out of focus in the foreground is a THW member in operational clothing.

When rivers overflow their banks, when power outages paralyse entire cities, or when storms bring buildings to their knees: THW volunteers leap into action. They rescue, organise, repair and provide immediate humanitarian assistance in the wake of severe natural disasters, both in Germany and abroad. Storms, floods, power cuts, earthquakes, train accidents, or highway collisions: the fields of deployment and operational challenges are wide-ranging. Across Germany, the THW meets these challenges with its numerous different core and specialist units, ensuring that its well-trained operatives cover a wide range of specific capabilities and tasks, from rescue and recovery through bridge building to drinking water supply.
The THW’s diverse operational spectrum covers, among others, the following duties:

    • Electricity supply
    • Drinking water supply
    • Sewerage
    • Bridge construction
    • Search, rescue and salvage
    • Debris clearance and blasting
    • Rescue from water hazards
    • Fighting floods and inundations
    • Lighting of operational areas
    • Establishment and operation of command centres
    • Command support
    • Establishment of temporary telecommunications systems
    • Establishment and operation of logistical bases
    • Catering and support for operatives
    • Material maintenance, repair and servicing of operational equipment
    • Transport of consumables for operational requirements
    • Oil damage abatement
    • Water analysis
    • Power and drinking water supply
    • Sewerage
    • Establishment and organisation of emergency accommodation and assembly points, with appropriate infrastructure
    • Technical assistance on traffic routes
    • Rescue from heights
    • Diving
    • Makeshift road construction
    • Servicing of civil protection installations (emergency wells, shelters)